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Tinubu: The Last Godfather Standing
By Eric Elezuo
If there is one thing the 2019 General Elections revealed, apart from the shambolic organisation and execution, it is the fact that godfathers of whatever kind, can be uprooted and disgraced.
As a result, age long godfathers of Nigeria political landscape, such as Bukola Saraki, Rochas Okorocha, Ibikunle Amosun, Rabiu Kwankwaso among many others met their waterloo in the just concluded elections when the people decided that their monopoly of political events in the country is over.
However, one name is has remained the shinning light of political godfatherism. He has in the last 20 years held sway as the political be all and end all of Africa’s commercial capital, Lagos. He is the Jagaban of Borgu, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
It is known that Tinubu, has singlehandedly picked almost every political office holder in Lagos State since 1999. His invincibility in the state became more pronounced when in September, 2018, he pulled the carpet off the incumbent governor of Lagos, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, ruling that he will go serve another term of office. Ambode, even with his power of incumbency and and all the state’s machinery within his disposal and use, could raise a finger in challenge of the deprivation. He succumbed like a puppet on a string; a man without origin. Today, another governor has been elected, and Ambode is on his way out.
Such is the power that Tinubu wields in Lagos State.
While the likes of Saraki, Kwankwaso, Amosun and Okorocha were depending on their hitherto waning popularity, Tinubu used every means possible, including the ones not found in the books, to retain his headship of Lagos politics. Many political analysts have pointed to his direction as the cause of the intimidation unleashed on non-Lagosians, especially of Igbo origin, thuggery during election, snatching and burning of ballot boxes and papers among others.
Tinubu is also known to be a big and generous spender, a quality that has put him in the good books of almost all Lagosians of diverse profession. It is no wonder that many see him as a demi-god, converting instantly his words to action.
But Tinubu has a history before reaching the height he found himself today:
Many has seen Asiwaju as a political godfather today, and justifiably so, but not many knew he had for years been a political godson, even a godservant. In the run-up to the 1999 elections, he was a protégé of Alliance for Democracy (AD) leaders Abraham Adesanya and Ayo Adebanjo. He paid his dues. He won the AD primaries for the Lagos State gubernatorial elections in competition with Funsho Williams and Wahab Dosunmu, a former Minister of Works and Housing. In April 1999, he stood for the position of Executive Governor of Lagos State on the AD ticket and was elected, and there extended his larger than life existence.
Following the victory by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the April 2007 elections, Bola Tinubu was active in negotiations to bring together the fragmented opposition parties into a “mega-party” capable of challenging the PDP in 2011. In July 2009, he called for implementation of electoral reforms spelled out in the Uwais report to ensure that the 2011 elections would be as free and fair as the elections of 1993 had been. In December 2009 Tinubu supported Fashola’s candidature for a second term in office which was adjudged by the public as good.
In 2015, Tinubu and Fashola threw their full weight behind Akinwunmi Ambode, the then gubernatorial candidate of the APC who is today the performing Executive Governor of Lagos.
Tinubu is married to Oluremi Tinubu, the current Senator representing Lagos central. His mother, Abibatu Mogaji died on June 15, 2014 at the age of 96.
In giving back to the society, Asiwaju Tinubu has established industries, and employed thousands of Nigerians. His investments cut across the media, aviation, finance and many more.
His Bourdillon Ikoyi home is home to many individuals who throng there on a daily basis for one directive or assistance or another.
Asides giving employment to thousands of Nigerians, Asiwaju has uncountable unrepentant political godsons including the current governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, who made the confession recently during his speech at the Bola Tinubu ninth colloquium to mark Tinubu’s 65th birthday, and former Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, Comrade Ayodele Adewale, who had said that ‘wherever Asiwaju is, there will I be’.
Tinubu’s acceptance by his people is showcased wherever he goes, and it has once again been demonstrated in the election of another of his handpicked croonies, Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the next governor.
Who knows if Tinubu, in his unilateral wisdom, will find him wanting by 2023 as he, against all odds did concerning Ambode. The world is waiting to see who his latest victim will be.
And who knows if the people of Lagos would one day rise to reclaim their state as the people of Kwara did.
Time, like they always say, will surely tell.
The “Pad Me A Girl Initiative”, in partnership with the Senate Committee on Women Affairs (SCOWAS) and Access Bank, on Monday, October 13, 2025, hosted a powerful and transformative celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child at the Area 1 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp, Durumi, Abuja.
An initiative of Gatmash Media that seeks to bring hope, empowerment, and essential support to hundreds of vulnerable girls and women.
The event gathered hundreds of internally displaced girls and women, alongside top government officials, lawmakers, civil society, actors, media representatives, and corporate partners — all united by a single goal: to amplify the voices of girls in crisis and champion menstrual health, dignity, and equal opportunity.
In her welcome address, Theresa Moses, Convener of “Pad Me A Girl Initiative” and CEO of Gatmash Media, expressed gratitude to partners and highlighted the urgent need for sustainable action to break barriers facing young girls.
“This year’s theme: The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisis reminds us that girls are not just victims of crisis, but resilient leaders, change-makers, and symbols of hope,” Moses explained.
“At Pad Me A Girl, our mission is to ensure that no girl is left behind because of her period, her circumstance, or her background.”
Through its Access Pad Me A Girl Pad Bank, the initiative has reached over 5,000 girls and women with reusable pads, menstrual hygiene education, and self-esteem building sessions.
Moses shared the inspiring story of 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullah Aminu, from Yobe State, who was crowned World’s Best in English Language Skills at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London, beating 20,000 contestants from 69 countries.
“Nafisa’s story is a reminder that brilliance can blossom anywhere — even in the most unlikely places,” she added. “Every girl, when supported, can transform her community and her nation.”
Represented by her Personal Assistant, Mrs. Patricia Oyagha, Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, delivered a compelling speech that cut to the heart of gender inequality and health stigma in Nigeria.
“For too long, menstruation has been shrouded in silence, stigma, and misinformation,” she began. “Silence around menstruation is not neutrality — it is neglect. And neglect has consequences.”
Senator Kingibe called for a national framework that recognizes menstrual health as a matter of public health, education, and human rights. She revealed ongoing efforts by her Committee to push for:
* Integration of menstrual health education into national school curricula.
* Policy support for the affordability and availability of menstrual products for girls in rural and underserved communities.
* Increased collaboration between government, private sector, and CSOs to drive grassroots impact.
“When we break the silence, we break the stigma. When we empower girls, we uplift communities. And when we invest in menstrual health, we invest in the future of our nation,” she said, to a standing ovation.
She commended the “Pad Me A Girl Initiative” and partners for their grassroots impact, describing their work as “a bridge between government policy and lived realities.”
“We cannot achieve gender equality if our girls are missing school every month because of a natural process. Menstrual hygiene is not a privilege — it’s a necessity,” she concluded.
In her goodwill message, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, FSI, represented by Mrs. Mariam Fitumi Shaibu,
Deputy Director,
Child Development,
Federal Ministry of Women Affairs lauded the initiative for its bold commitment to gender empowerment and inclusion.
“Today’s celebration is not just to highlight challenges, but to celebrate the strength, resilience, and leadership of the Nigerian girl,” she stated.
She revealed that the Ministry is actively reviewing and updating key national instruments, including: The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015; The Child Rights Act, 2003; and The National Child Policy (2009).
In addition, the Minister announced the validation of the National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management, aimed at normalizing menstrual conversations and ensuring nationwide access to hygiene products, facilities, and information.
“We must eliminate female genital mutilation, early child marriage, bullying, and all forms of gender-based violence. The future of Nigeria depends on how well we protect and empower our girls today,” she emphasized.
“Empowering the girl child is not charity; it is nation building.”
The day’s highlight featured an engaging health education session led by Mrs. Blessing Amos, Abuja Team Lead of Pad Me A Girl Initiative, focusing on menstrual hygiene management, body confidence, and breaking taboos around menstruation.
This was followed by the distribution of empowerment packs — including reusable sanitary pads, exercise books, corn flour (Tuwo Masara), custard, and kuli-kuli — to hundreds of girls and women.
The event which was also supported by ProStar Sports International, a renowned sports equipment and apparel company, BL Consulting and Vita Baites Foods was rounded off on a note of hope, unity, and renewed commitment to girl-child education and menstrual dignity.
About Pad Me A Girl Initiative
Pad Me A Girl Initiative is a gender advocacy project under GATMASH MEDIA, committed to promoting menstrual hygiene, reproductive health education, and girl-child empowerment. Its Access Pad Bank has reached over 5,000 beneficiaries across Nigeria, providing reusable pads, mentorship, and health awareness in schools and communities.
Foremost security news beat association, National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) felicitates with the Force PRO of Nigeria Police, Olumuyiwa Adejobi on his new promotion and decoration with the rank of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun at the Force Headquarters Abuja.
The well-deserved promotion of DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, alongside other newly promoted officers across various ranks, was approved by the Police Service Commission at the recent plenary session presided over by the PSC Honorable Chairman, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (retd).
Widely regarded for his dynamic approach to police-community relations, quick response and transparency in public communications, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi has served as the image maker of the Nigeria Police Force with distinction and excellence. His promotion underscores and recognizes exceptional service, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the ideals of policing in Nigeria. Since his appointment as Force PRO, DCP Adejobi has led several strategic initiatives to rebuild public trust, effective media relations, improve accountability, and modernize the Force’s communication channels across the Country.
Conveying the felicitations of NAOSNP to the Force PRO, the National President of the association popularly known for covering the Nigeria Police and other security agencies, Comrade Oki O. Samson highlighted the great impact work of DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi noting that ‘he has proven to be an asset to the Nigeria Police helping to spotlight the values and ethics of the Force as a citizen-friendly agency as well as its mandate as the prime agency in charge of internal security.’
‘For us at NAOSNP, DCP Adejobi is a great and reliable friend; he has contributed significantly to us, being a great supporter speaking at many of our security conferences and trainings and providing deep insights to conversations. The exploits of Nigeria Police across operations, administration, public relations, advocacy, and other sectors are given the much-needed attention. We celebrate a refined senior police officer, a PR guru, an excellent communicator, a Media-Friendly Force PRO, a capacity building officer and wish him greater heights in the service of our motherland’, Oki said.
The blue blood, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi is a great role model who portrays the policing values of discipline, service, professionalism and integrity. He has a rich blend of expertise and experience having served in various capacities such as the Police Public Relations Officer in Lagos and Ogun States among others.
He is a recipients of the prestigious NAOSNP Best Security Agency Image Maker of the Year Award and many other International awards.
Featured
SPIN Hosts Inaugural Scientific Induction Committee, Makes Case for Reseach-Based Sustainability
The Sustainability Professionals Institute of Nigeria (SPIN) convened its inaugural Scientific Induction Committee on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
The virtual event, themed “Mainstreaming Sustainability in Africa: Professionalism, Standardization, and Capabilities,” brought together distinguished scholars, industry leaders, and sustainability professionals to chart a path for Africa-centric sustainability solutions.
Moderated by Dr. Mories Atoki (Hon.), SPIN’s Legal Director, and headlined by First Bank of Nigeria PLC, the event featured keynote addresses and panel discussions with globally recognized experts. These included Professor Kenneth Amaeshi, President of SPIN and Professor of Sustainable Finance at the European University Institute.
Professor Amaeshi stressed the importance of “decolonizing sustainability frameworks” and prioritizing local contexts. He noted, “Africa must redefine sustainability on its own terms, balancing environmental, social, and economic imperatives unique to our realities.”
Vice President Ini Abimbola, while administering the SPIN induction oath, charged the newly inducted scientific committee members to advance professionalism, drive standardization, and strengthen capacity building in sustainability, ultimately shaping the future of sustainability in Africa.
The newly inducted scientific committee of the Sustainability Professionals Institute of Nigeria (SPIN) comprises seven distinguished scholars and practitioners. Professor Emmanuel Adegbite, Professor of Accounting and Corporate Governance at Nottingham University Business School, emphasized the critical role of corporate governance in driving sustainable business practices.
Professor Judy Muthuri, Professor of Sustainable Business and Development at the University of West Indies, stressed the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge and community-led approaches into sustainability strategies. The committee members highlighted the complexities of sustainability in Africa.
Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, Professor of Global Climate Governance and Public Policy at the University of Bristol, advocated for justice-centered policies that address historical inequities.
Professor Uwafiokun Idemudia, Dean of the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences at the University of Guelph, called for multi-stakeholder collaboration to mitigate environmental degradation.
Dr. Adaeze Okoye, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Lead at the University of Brighton, underscored the need for regulatory frameworks that promote equity and inclusion.
The committee emphasized innovative approaches to sustainability, featuring expert insights from renowned thought leaders. Dr. Natalie Beinisch, Co-founder of the Circular Economy Innovation Partnership, shared insights on leveraging circular economy principles.
Professor Tazeeb Rajwani, Chaired Professor of International Business and Strategy at Surrey Business School, analyzed geopolitical shifts impacting sustainability practices and emphasized the need for African businesses to develop resilient, context-specific strategies.
Building on these insights, Ismail Omamegbe, SPIN’s Director of Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement, outlined the committee’s roadmap. “We look forward to our new scientific committee members’ insights in shaping our research agenda, policy formulation, and capacity-building initiatives,” he stated.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Eunice Sampson, SPIN’s Director of Learning and Development, reaffirmed the committee’s vision. “Through this distinguished committee, we will transform sustainability in Africa by localizing solutions and decolonizing approaches. Our focus remains on driving inclusive, data-driven growth through strong political commitments and cross-sector collaboration.”
